Review: Is the Glacier View Lodge Worth It?

Nestled right between Banff and Jasper National Park along the stunning Icefields Parkway, Glacier View Lodge stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur and human ingenuity.

Situated at the foot of Athabasca Glacier, this unique lodge offers unforgettable views, comfortable rooms, and the perfect place to call home while exploring nearby sights like the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, the Athabasca Glacier experience, and hikes like Parker Ridge. Easily the nicest place to stay along the Icefields Parkway, an overnight here is truly one of the best you can have in the Rockies.

Glacier View Lodge Details

• Address —  Highway 93 N, Icefields Pkwy (GPS)
• Booking.com – Glacier View Lodge
• Expedia – Glacier View Lodge

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The Setting of Glacier View Lodge

One of the most alluring aspects of Glacier View Lodge is its location. Its location at the Glacier Discovery Center along the Icefields Parkway is unmatched – it is the only Athabasca Glacier hotel. Sitting right on the Jasper/Banff border, you’re unlikely to find a better view from a hotel unless you’re sitting atop Mount Athabasca herself.

There are not many hotels in Jasper or Banff along the Icefields Parkway, but out of the few on the route, Glacier View Lodge is by far the most luxurious and upscale.

Perched on the edge of the stunning Athabasca Glacier, the lodge offers panoramic views of ice-capped peaks, sprawling glaciers, and the serene wilderness that defines the region. Guests have a front-row seat to the ever-changing landscapes, offering an unparalleled connection to nature.

All guests can access those beautiful glacier views from the Moraine Lounge, which has the most enchanting floor-to-ceiling windows. Wake up for sunrise here, and you may be some of the first of the day to see the beautiful morning colors over the Athabasca Glacier.

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Glacier View Lodge Rooms

Glacier View Lodge is not a huge lodge, but it does offer a few different accommodation options, each designed to provide a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. The main difference between rooms, however, is some offer a Glacier View and others offer a Mountain View, with the glacier view room costing about $100 more per night.

We stayed in the Glacier-View room, and it was dreamy. However, we spent a lot of time in the main lobby area, where there are floor-to-ceiling windows out towards Athabasca Glacier. So, if you want to save money and book the mountain-view room, rest assured you will still get plenty of glacier views without leaving the lodge.

Each room has comfortable seating, a Nespresso machine, a television, and high-speed WiFi. The rooms and beds are comfy and modernly decorated, with new luxury bathrooms, including Rocky Mountain Soap toiletries.

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Other Hotel Amenities

All lodge guests receive a welcome reception with a signature drink. This reception area also includes hors d’oeuvres, and guests can meet new friends while looking over the expansive Columbia Icefield.

While booking the room only is possible, Glacier View Lodge guests can add on a tour package that includes an evening guided tour on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk and a morning guided tour on the Athabasca Glacier.

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Glacier View Lodge Restaurant

There’s not much to eat along the entire Icefields Parkway, and most guests will eat at the lodge as it’s the only restaurant around for kilometers.

The lodge’s dining options reflect a commitment to quality and local flavors. There are two restaurants: Altitude and Chalet. Chalet is a grab-and-go service that operates during the daytime; it’s the best spot for lunch at the Discovery Center.

Altitude is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is the lodge’s sit-down restaurant. The restaurant is surrounded by breathtaking glacier vistas, creating an ideal setting for savoring the Canadian-inspired menu crafted by Executive Chef Michael O’Neill.

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Adventure Awaits

The Glacier View Lodge is located along the Icefields Parkway in the stunning Canadian Rockies and provides access to an array of outdoor activities. Guided glacier walks, the Columbia Icefield Adventure Experience (which includes the Icefield Explorer Vehicles and the Columbia Icefield Skywalk), and stargazing sessions are just a few of the experiences available to guests.

You’re also near exciting hikes like Parker Ridge and Wilcox Pass and beautiful waterfalls like Tangle Creek Falls, making it ideal for one or two nights.

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Glacier View Lodge FAQ

Book Well In Advance

If you’ve looked at the rates for the Glacier View Lodge, you have probably realized it’s not cheap, ranging between $400 and $600 a night. You won’t find any off-season rates here either, as the lodge is only open from mid-May to mid-October. Like most services and businesses along the Icefields Parkway, the Glacier View Lodge closes in the winter.

Despite its high price tag, the Glacier View Lodge sells out well in advance, and we would recommend booking at least 6+ months in advance to score a reservation. The mountain view rooms are cheaper and seem to sell out first.

How Many Days Should You Book?

Truly, if you arrive at the Glacier Discovery Centre (where the lodge is located) around midday, you truly only need to stay at the Glacier View Lodge for one night to reap all the rewards of the stay. One night would allow you to enjoy the Glacier Skywalk on the day you arrive and enjoy the sunset over the glacier while drinking your complimentary cocktail in the Mroaine Lodge. Book an Athabasca Glacier Experience or Icewalk the next day before continuing your journey to Banff or Jasper on the Icefields Parkway.

If you really want a relaxed holiday, we recommend staying two nights, but there’s no need for three nights unless you plan on extensive hiking in the area.

Food is Not Included

Food is not included in the cost of the stay—not even breakfast. As the Glacier View Lodge is quite remote, there are no other food options around, so plan and pack accordingly. As can be expected, food is far from cheap here.

Bring Some Snacks

If you have children or are a peckish individual, bring snacks!

You are Remote

Although it may not feel like you are remote in such a luxurious setting, remember that the Glacier View Lodge is far from just about anything (but there is a Starbucks in the Glacier Discovery Center downstairs!)

Try Not to Get in Too Late

It’s an expensive stay, and check-in is at 4pm. We recommend planning your time and adventures on the Parkway accordingly so you don’t arrive too late or miss the sunset on the Athabasca Glacier!

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